Composer

:

Jean Langlais

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1974

Average_duration

:

45:37

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Jean Langlais' "Meditations (5) on the Apocalypse" is a composition for organ that was completed in 1949. The piece was premiered on November 20, 1949, at the Church of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris, France. The composition consists of five movements, each of which is inspired by a different passage from the Book of Revelation. The first movement, "The Four Horsemen," is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and angular melodies. The second movement, "The Seven Trumpets," features a series of fanfares that are meant to evoke the sound of the trumpets described in the biblical text. The third movement, "The Woman and the Dragon," is more contemplative in nature, with a slower tempo and a more lyrical melody. The fourth movement, "The Beast," is the most dramatic of the five, with a fast tempo and a sense of urgency that reflects the chaos and destruction described in the text. The final movement, "The New Jerusalem," is a triumphant and joyful piece that celebrates the ultimate victory of good over evil. Throughout the composition, Langlais makes use of a wide range of organ techniques, including pedal glissandos, tremolos, and complex chord progressions. The piece is also notable for its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, which give it a modern and avant-garde feel. Overall, "Meditations (5) on the Apocalypse" is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Langlais' skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both technically challenging and emotionally resonant.

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